I have a 2001 ES300 that makes a high pitch whistling sound from the fan belt area first thing in the morning that lasts about 20 seconds and goes away when I backup.The sound is heard only when the air conditioner is on. The mileage is 104K miles.Does anyone know what the is the cause for this problem? Thanks.

hypervish

07-25-12 08:26 AM

Welcome to Club Lexus!

It sounds like the belt is ready for replacement. It may be glazed over causing the sound you are hearing. I suggest replacing both belts, the power steering belt, and the alternator/air conditioning belt.

The belts are cheap you should be able to get both for $20. Labor will be around 1/2 hour to 1 hour.

INNOUTFAN

07-25-12 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypervish
(Post 7379692)

Welcome to Club Lexus!

It sounds like the belt is ready for replacement. It may be glazed over causing the sound you are hearing. I suggest replacing both belts, the power steering belt, and the alternator/air conditioning belt.

When you go to change the belts, do one at a time, and start the car in between. Could also be a bearing - alternator, A/C Compressor, idler pulley, power steering pump all have bearings that can sing on start-up then stop at operating temperature.

Braver

07-25-12 01:54 PM

Thank you for your response. I checked the car again without having the air conditioner on and there is no high pitch whistling sound. After warm up, I turned the a/c and the sound is not there. So it appears that the problem occurs only when the engine is cold at the first start in the morning when the a/c is also on.

Aqualung

08-07-12 05:33 PM

I have the same sound, same year...had the belt lubed...but...my tech says that the bearings are also going and I'll need a new compressor.

Braver

08-18-12 04:30 AM

ES300 High Pich whistling sound

Did the belt lube stop the whistling sound? The problem also occurs in the winter when the engine is cold during startup.